Dinitz: No Role for USSR at Geneva Except for Ceremonial Function

October 22, 1976

GROSSINGER, N.Y. (Oct. 21)

Ambassador Simcha Dinitz, Israel’s envoy to the United States, warned today that the Soviet Union must be excluded from the diplomatic process in the Middle East except for “a ceremonial function.” Addressing the fourth biennial convention of the American Zionist Federation at Grossingers Hotel, Dinitz said Israel did not fear any peace initiative.

But, he said, “a danger” that must be avoided is “the incorporation” of the Soviet Union into the diplomatic process in the Middle East. “The Soviet Union must be relegated to a ceremonial function” in any peace negotiations and not the function “of good offices or arbitration,” he said. Dinitz also stressed that there must be no imposed peace settlement in the Middle East. He said that Israel will “not tolerate” the return of terrorist bands into southern Lebanon which could infiltrate and attack Israeli towns and villages.

FORD, CARTER SEND MESSAGES

The AZF convention received messages of greetings from President Ford and Democratic Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter. Ford said that “Under my Administration, the United States will remain firm in its pledge to provide political calm, economic calm and military support to ensure the security and integrity of Israel. I welcome this opportunity to reaffirm the strength of this commitment and to express the hope that you will have a most rewarding convention.”

Carter’s message said: “Like all of you, I have been inspired by the optimism, courage and hard work that I have seen in Israel. My constant and unswerving goal is the well-being of that State. I reaffirm my opposition to the sale of offensive missiles to Saudi Arabia. If I become your President, I will seek strong legislation to make compliance with the Arab boycott illegal and punishable. I share with you a commitment to the integrity and survival of Israel as a Jewish State.”

Mrs. Faye Schenk was re-elected at the closing session today to a second term as president of the AZF.